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The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is planning numerous Valentine’s Day initiatives for the month of February to support local businesses and thank frontline workers.

The chamber is encouraging Pelham residents to create Valentine’s Day cards to be sent to workers at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Those who wish to participate can make or purchase Valentine’s Day cards, write a thank-you note and put their contact information on their cards to enter into a raffle sponsored by Pelham businesses. Finished cards should be dropped off at collection boxes located at Tig & Peach and Sue’s Corner by Sunday.

“The Chamber has put dedicated mail boxes at both locations,” said Chamber of Commerce President Cristina Chianese. “Tig & Peach and Pelham Art Center are mobilizing workshop efforts around this as well. They are each offering all the tools and resources you need to make your Valentine’s cards.”

Card senders will be entered into a raffle for a “Best of Pelham Bundle” supported by local businesses.

“As a complement to this initiative, an additional bundle will be given to the internal medicine staff at New York-Presbyterian to raffle off its contents,” said Chianese.

The bundle, valued at over $1,000, includes a Flour Power sampler, cupcake bouquets by Flowerbake by Angela, artwork from Katy Garry Fine Art, flowers from Artistic Manner Flower Shop & Greenhouse, a selection of beer from DeCicco & Sons, a $100 gift card from LaGravinese Jewelers of Pelham and many more gifts, samples and services from local companies.

“We are so happy to be a part of this thoughtful and heartfelt project,” said Tig & Peach owner Amanda Star. “Local residents have dropped off numerous creative Valentines cards, some being first time visitors to Tig & Peach and which has been fantastic. In addition to people coming by to drop off cards, we’ve also set up a card-making station for each guest who books a private play session so they’re able to make a card while they’re here with us. It’s been such a fun and heartwarming way to gear up for Valentine’s Day.”

The Chamber of Commerce has invited the Pelham community to a town-wide scavenger hunt on Saturday. Red plastic hearts filled with raffle tickets will be placed around town, with prizes again provided by local companies. Raffle items include bakery treats from Flour Power and Patty Pops, flowers from Artistic Manner, gifts from Sue’s Corner, joy mugs from Katy Garry and other items that showcase shops in Pelham. Winners will be announced on the chamber’s Facebook page.

Chamber members will be encouraging Pelham residents to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17 by doing small acts of kindness for friends and strangers in order to spread compassion and generosity. Select Pelham businesses will be surprising random customers with free or added valued and special Valentine’s discounts and promotions as a way to show appreciation for people shopping locally.

Chianese explained the gifts and discounts can act as an example of how shopping within the community can be rewarding for all. “In a particularly generous act of kindness, locally-based company Meridian Risk Management has stepped up to underwrite the cost of the random acts giveaways,” she said.